03-25-09 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTIrS CITY COUNCIL MARCH 25, 2009 Court street and watermain improvement if the property owners are against it. Blesener noted that the City Engineer's estimate is based on 2006 pricing, therefore, was not artificially inflated. Keis pointed out that it is one of the Council's jobs to maintain the City's infrastructure. Keis stated this is the best price that property owners will get. He indicated that the project could be delayed for two or three years, but prices will be higher and the improvement will eventually be made. Schneider stated that he would likely not be living in his home in 3 to 5 years, and the assessment will then be the responsibility of the new owner. Schneider again felt that the project should not be forced on the property owners. He did not believe the project was needed. Montour reviewed the criteria that the City Engineer uses for evaluating streets and determining whether they are in need of replacement. Montour noted that one of the functions of the City Council is to represent the entire City, and in the matter of sheet improvements, one consideration is that a good share of the cost is paid by all taxpayers of the City. Given the $600,000 savings, Montour felt it was difficult to not proceed with the improvements. Montour agreed that the timing of the improvements is terrible given the economy. He noted that if the improvements are delayed, the cost will only increase. Ron Voight, 2815 Lakeside Court, stated that the road improvement is not needed. He also indicated that if the project is delayed, there is no way of knowing that the price will not go down. Blesener indicated that it is more likely that the cost will increase. Voight also expressed concern with the design of the street project noting that there is a storm sewer pipe that flows into the lake, and that situation is not being corrected by this project. The City Administrator noted that rain water gardens will be a part of the project, and these gardens will heat the first inch of run-off, thus improving the quality of run-off into the lake. Residents have been asked to participate in the rain water garden program, but are not forced to do so. Voight felt that the real issue was that the storm pipe crosses the street and runs directly into the lake. The Administrator indicated that this is why the street run-off will be treated by rain water gardens before it gets into the pipe and into the lake. Peter Ganzel, 2795 Lakeside Court, felt that the scope of the project was beyond what is necessary. He indicated that only half of the cul-de-sac area requires complete replacement and most residents have indicated that they do not desire City watermain. Ganzel felt that the lack of City maintenance of the sheet has increased its rate of deterioration. Ganzel stated that his family cannot afford the assessment. He urged the City to explore other options. Ganzel felt that the project would not benefit his